What’s the role of responsible tourism?

Responsible tourism, also known as ecotourism, is based of the concept of making this a sustainable activity by compiling the following premises:

Minimizing the economical, environmental and social impact.

Concerning and building environmental and cultural awareness.

Income generation for the local population.

Participation of the local population in decisions related to tourism that directly affect their lives.

Conservation of cultural and natural heritage.

Providing more pleasant experiences through more meaningful connections with the local people, and a better understanding of the cultural, social and environmental issues.

Access for the disabled.

Essentially it is about providing equally positive experiences, for both the visitors and the locals, minimizing the footprint left by tourism.

Moshi Maasai Experience is a tour operator in Tanzania dedicated to activities in nature, and therefore it aims primarily to minimize this impact.

A responsible activity during an animal safari or a mountain expedition may contribute in a positive way to the local communities – such as creating jobs, environmental education, development of projects, etc.

With the entrance fees that we pay in parks and communities, we will help finance the conservation of these places.

What NOT TO DO on a safari

Animals should dictate every time: they will choose whether to stay near the car and the people or go somewhere else. It is our duty to respect their decision. For this reason, the most experienced guides will evaluate animal behaviors and assess whether it’s possible to carefully come closer or not.

General rules:

Don’t take or introduce fauna or flora.

Avoid fast traffic. Noise or an abrupt change of direction may lead to accidents with wildlife.

Don’t seek animal’s attention with noises or exaggerated gestures. This may make them feel threatened and modify their behavior, and they might attack. With some species we should even avoid eye contact.

Don’t touch the animals under any circumstance. This is a source of mutual transmission of diseases, infections or parasites. It is advisable not to participate in the trips if you’re sick, since you could be jeopardizing wildlife.

Never feed animals – this could change their behavioral standards and populations, create dependence and irregular habits, provoke aggressions towards people or other animals, and health issues.

Pick up all the trash produced during your safari or even what you find in your way, this is basic rule of general conduct for any natural space.

Try not to damage the flora on your way. Be especially careful with mosses and lichens.

Be predictable and consistent in your behavior. Avoid abrupt moves.

Do not introduce alien plants or animals.

Respect the minimum distances and the limited times for sightings.

If physiological needs, do them away from animals, digging a hole of about 30 centimeters deep and then covering it.

If anyone in the group, even the guide, does not respect this rules, you must correct them and report to the organization.